Running the Sahara

Versions of this FilmLanguage (Type)
Running the SaharaEnglish (original)zum Film
Synopsis
In 2006, an international expedition team of three men - Charlie Engle (USA), Ray Zahab (Canada) and Kevin Lin (Taiwan) undertook a quest that no human being has ever fulfilled. They ran across the Sahara Desert. Each runner brought his own unique story and motivations, but all unite around a love for Africa and a profound desire to prove that the impossible is possible. The film is an up-close, character-driven documentary that delves deep into the culture of the Sahara through the eyes of three individuals undergoing a life-altering experience. Along with the runners, we cross six countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya and Egypt. Through the eyes of our runners, we come to understand the realities of Africa - the beauty and the tragedy inherent in everyday life. This reality is underscored by the recurring theme of water - a daily necessity for our runners and a daily struggle for many of the people they encounter. The cast encountered many locals who spend two and half hours per day, every day, finding and cleaning their water for that day. Sprawling over 3.5 million square miles, the Sahara is a mystical land, enchanting for its extreme beauty and its complex culture. At the same time, it may well be the most unforgiving place on earth -- the daytime heat and the freezing temperatures at night can suck the life from a body in an instant. The team accomplished running for 111 days and over 4800 miles. This is the story of what happened along the way.
Trailer not available yet
Running
Sahara
desert
Africa
water shortage
Running
Runtime (in min.):102
Color:color
Year Of Production:2008
Countries of Production:United States of America
People featured in the FilmTypeComment
Charlie Engleperson portrayedA 42-year-old American father of two boys, a television producer, and one of the best ultra distance marathon runners in the world today, Engle has been a runner, climber, and adventure racer for more than 30 years.  
Ray Zahabperson portrayedLate in 1998, Ray made a life changing decision to leave a pack-a-day smoking habit and very unhealthy life choices behind him. On New Year's Day 2000, he decided to go hiking with his brother John and has never looked back.  
Kevin Linperson portrayed28 years old and living like a rock star in Taipei, Taiwan, Kevin is one of the most well known endurance athletes in all of Asia. A full-time graduate student, he recently won the first ever 150-mile (241-kilometer) race across the Atacama Desert in Chile, dancing across the finish line while more than half the field had to be rescued from the course. He believes that learning and positive changes are the result of suffering, as suffering only makes one a stronger and better person.  
Companies & Organizations
Production Company:

Allentown Productions

LivePlanet

Keywords
Running; Sahara; desert; Africa; water shortage
Categories
Nature, Environment & Ecology, Desert & Prairies, Discoveries, Expeditions & Inventions, Explorers & Expeditions, Geography, Travel & Cultures, Adventure & Travelogues, Africa, East Africa, West Africa, Sports, Athletes